HSV
Medical abbreviation · Infectious Disease
| Stands for | Herpes simplex virus |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
HSV stands for Herpes simplex virus, an infectious disease abbreviation.
Virus with two types that cause lifelong infection with recurring outbreaks of blisters and sores: HSV-1 usually affects the mouth (cold sores) and HSV-2 the genitals, although either can infect either site. Antivirals such as acyclovir and valacyclovir shorten outbreaks and reduce transmission.
Example: Recurrent genital lesions, PCR swab positive for HSV-2; start suppressive valacyclovir 500 mg daily.
Usage notes
The WHO estimates that billions of people carry HSV-1 and hundreds of millions HSV-2, most unaware. After the first infection the virus hides in sensory nerve ganglia and can reactivate. Rare but serious forms include encephalitis, eye infection and neonatal herpes. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are also designated human herpesviruses 1 and 2.
Related abbreviations
More infectious disease abbreviations
- HBsAg – Hepatitis B surface antigen
- HBV – Hepatitis B virus
- HCV – Hepatitis C virus
- HIV – Human immunodeficiency virus
- hMPV – Human metapneumovirus
- HPV – Human papillomavirus
- HZ – Herpes zoster
- IDSA – Infectious Diseases Society of America
- IGRA – Interferon-gamma release assay
- IIV – Inactivated influenza vaccine
- ILI – Influenza-like illness
- IRIS – Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
See all 92 infectious disease abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.